1. The Nayanars and Alvars came from all castes including those considered “untouchable”.
2. They were sharply critical of the Buddhists and Jainas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer & Solution
Correct option is C
Explanation:
Statement 1 (The Nayanars and Alvars came from all castes including those considered “untouchable”.) – Correct:
→ The Bhakti movement led by Nayanars and Alvars in South India was inclusive of all castes.
→ Saints came from diverse backgrounds, including communities considered untouchable, such as the Pulaiyar and the Panars.
Statement 2 (They were sharply critical of the Buddhists and Jainas.) – Correct:
→ The Nayanars and Alvars openly criticized Buddhism and Jainism.
→ They preached ardent love for Shiva or Vishnu as the sole path to spiritual salvation.
Information Booster:
→ The Nayanars were devotees devoted to Lord Shiva, totaling 63 famous saints.
→ The Alvars were devotees devoted to Lord Vishnu, totaling 12 prominent saints.
→ Compilations of Nayanar devotional hymns are preserved in the Tevaram and Tiruvacakam.
→ The main collection of Alvar hymns is compiled in the Divya Prabandham.
→ Powerful dynasties like the Cholas and Pandyas constructed elaborate temples around these Bhakti shrines.